If you are looking for a discount flight to or from Los Angeles, California, booking at the last minute is often the way to get it. That being said, you may unexpectedly need to fly for a variety of other reasons including a family emergency, surprise meeting, or simply a change of plans. This page shows you how to book a last minute flight into or out of Los Angeles.

When deciding to book a flight at the last minute, there are a number of strategies you can choose from depending on your timeline, required comfort level, and the number of hassles you are able to tolerate. However, make sure to take all factors into consideration before you shop. These include things like the season, day of the week, and even special large scale events like elections. Something like snow may not be a concern in California, but if you're flying out from LA then it could be at your destination.

If you don't need to arrive at your destination at a specific time, one fairly well known strategy is to fly on standby. Though you're obviously not guaranteed a seat on the first flight, the chance of that happening are higher than you might guess. Even if you have to wait for a second or third flight before you get the chance to board, the savings can often be worth it. However, don't forget to figure out what flight you'll take if you miss the first or second plane. Failing to plan for this will seriously extend the time you spend waiting at the airport, and sleeping at LAX might not be the start to your vacation that you had in mind.

Tickets can be snapped up on bidding websites like Priceline.com and Hotwire.com for big discounts. These websites provide savings for last minute travelers by selling empty seats on planes that would likely not sell for full price.http://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/29514/cruises/book_a_last_minute_cruise_and_save_money.html However, bidding does take some getting used to, and some experience is required to do it effectively. If you'd like to learn some basic techniques before getting started, visit a forum like BiddingForTravel.com to familiarize yourself with the process.http://www.mahalo.com/how-to-book-a-cheap-flight

When looking for a last minute flight, try having a look at the last minute hotel, resort or vacation packages that are being offered as well. These all-in-one packages have return airfare included and can save you quite a bit of money. They're especially worth considering if you will require accommodations at your destination. In fact, getting a huge deal on a full package with the hotel included can sometimes work out to be cheaper than getting only a 'good' deal on a flight by itself.http://www.orbitz.com/App/SubmitQuickSearch?OSC=KfNOJDatYO!486048343!183192698!7001!-1&z=6eed&r=g